Women’s Rights Activists have accused EALA MP David Sankok of promoting rape culture.
National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) demanded that the MP resigns after a viral video promoting the MP’s Osim Country Lodge in Narok sparked outrage.
According to NGEC, Sankok’s description of the lodge as a place to hold women captive and fulfill sexual desires is deeply disturbing and deplorable.
“Such statements not only perpetuate harmful attitudes but also contribute to a culture of violence and objectification,” National Gender and Equality Commission chairperson Dr. Joyce M. Mutinda, said in a media statement.
“We unequivocally condemn this repugnant marketing pitch and demand full accountability for Hon. Sankok’s actions.” She added.
NGEC stated that apart from the statement by the EALA MP violating the Sexual Offences Act and the Kenyan Constitution of 2010, it also undermines constitutional principles and perpetuates a culture that violates women’s rights.
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As such, the women’s rights commission has called on the Hospitality Industry to investigate Osim Country Lodge to ensure legal compliance.
In addition, Olomal Loo Ntomonok, a network that brings together all women from the Maa-speaking counties to safeguard and protect women, has said Sankok’s remarks are abusive, demeaning, and degrading the value of Kenyan women.
According to the women’s rights group, the EALA MP’s sentiments encourage sexual violence against women while violating women’s rights to freedom and security, and thus violate Articles 27 and 29 of Kenya’s Constitution.
“The statement by the MP advertises the lovers’ nest as a private source of subjecting women to sexual violence, as well as denying women right to equal protection and treatment in economic, cultural & social spheres,” Angeline Sipraro, Olamal Loo Ntomonok chairperson said in a statement on Tuesday, June 13.
“Hon. Sankok encourages men who spend money on women to expect sex in return as a must, whether or not the woman consents. By removing the ladder, he forces women to consent to sex,” she added.
The Women Rights group want Sankok issue an apology over his statement and at the same time, pull down the offensive video from all mediums.
Furthermore, Olomal Loo Ntomonok called for a boycott of the lounge, demanded that it be closed immediately and that the MP resign from EALA for violating Chapter 6 of the Kenya Constitution on leadership and integrity, as well as EALA’s core values.
